Participant’s Supernatural Thriller 'Out of the Dark' Acquired by Vertical

The ghost story, set in South America, stars Julia Stiles, Scott Speedman and Stephen Rea

Participant Media’s supernatural thriller Out of the Dark, starring Julia Stiles, Scott Speedman and Stephen Rea has been acquired by Vertical Entertainment in the U.S. and is set to hit theaters in early 2015.

The film is a ghost story set in South America, where a young family’s new life turns from promising to terrifying when it is forced to confront ancient legends, spirits and a haunting family secret.

Out of the Darkwill be presented by Vertical in association with Participant Media and Image Nation. It is a production of Apaches Entertainment, Cactus Flower and Fast Producciones in association with Dynamo and XYZ Films.

"Lluís is an outstanding first-time director who made a thrilling ghost story with a powerful message, and we are thrilled to have Vertical on board to deliver it to audiences," said Participant executive vp of narrative film Jonathan King said.

The film was executive produced by Jeff Skoll, King, Roy Azout and Nick Spicer.

Added Vertical co-president Rich Goldberg: "We are delighted to have our first affiliation with both Participant and XYZ Films. Out of the Dark is much more than it seems on the surface. We think it will surprise genre fans with its ability to reach beyond just the scares and great storytelling, and have a thought-provoking motif that will stay with them well after they see it."

Goldberg and Peter Jarowey negotiated the deal on behalf of Vertical along with with Nate Bolotin for XYZ and Jeff Ivers for Participant. Bloom is handling international sales for Out of the Dark.